Focus on Me, Nothing Else!
Ethan loves Indiana Beach!
We bought season tickets and yesterday was our second consecutive day spending time there.
I was surprised when Ethan got on the “Lost Coaster of Superstitious Mountain” because he doesn’t like any of the roller coasters.
I told my wife that I thought that he was going to change his mind. I had noticed a bit of anxiety was building as he watched the coaster from the waiting line.
Tammy was whispering, “Come on Ethan, you can do it” as he stood in the front of the line. He was in the next group!
It was time to board, and he joined the small group on the ride!
I heard his squeal during the ride and chuckled to myself.
When he got off the ride I asked if he would ride it again and he said Maybe. The little girls that was riding in the car behind him were laughing. I smiled as I let Ethan know it didn't matter, just go have fun!
Ethan took turns getting on so many other rides that do not go fast or high.
Tammy and I talked him into joining us on the Ferris Wheel. He did not enjoy it the least bit and hugged the center pole, refusing to look out over the park.
When we finished and was on the ground, I thanked him for joining us and he told me I was welcome but to not ask him to go on it again! LOL
Ethan has always enjoyed the tamer rides and is scared of heights. My hat is off to him for facing his fears. He said, "I'm a scaredy cat!"
I knew he had heard that from someone on the ride, no doubt! I told him that a scaredy cat never faces their fears! I praised him for riding the "Sky Ride", by himself! I reminded him of the zipline at Great Wolf Lodge that he forced himself to endure. He perked up.
Finally I told him that I know that if he had to ride the scariest ride in the world to save me or mom that he would do it! A scaredy cat would just let us die.
Ethan perked up and joyfully enjoyed another two hours at the park riding on all the rides that he likes plus swimming, lazy river and water slides!
On our way out of the park, we were passing by the "Sea Warrior."
You should have seen the look on my face when Ethan said, “I’m going to go on the Sea Warrior.”
That green monster twirls, tilts and goes up then falls fast! I told Tammy I better go with him!
Once a ride starts you are in it for the whole ride! Right?
The twirls started and Ethan gripped the safety rail with white knuckles! When we went up spinning and fell back down, I had my hands in the air encouraging him to do the same thing!
But he had something else that was trying to come up!
The gag reflex was in motion!
I yelled at Ethan to get him to look at me.
When he did I could see his face was pale, eyes were huge and he spasmed again! I thought I was about to be presented an unwanted substance in my lap!
I yelled, “No! Look at me son!”
Ethan started to look away as the next fall induced another spasm!
I yelled very loudly, “Focus on me!” Ethan looked at me and I yelled, “Keep staring at my eyes! Focus on Me and Nothing Else!”
Ethan stared into my eyes as the Sea Warrior plunged towards earth again!
Our eyes were locked as his spasm was not as pronounced.
I then had him take deep breaths and continue to stare at me until the ride was over.
I am as sure as I can be that if I had not been on the Sea Warrior with my son that he would have upchucked!
His focusing on me got him through the storm, amen?
This is the same in all our lives.
Maybe you are going through a storm right now.
Focus on God and you will get through it!
Peter was walking on water as long as he focused on the Lord! It wasn’t until he recognized the storm that he began to sink!
Matthew 14:29-30 KJV (29) And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. (30) But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.
May you focus on the Lord today while yet in a storm.
Be blessed
Comments
Good analogy